The department shall prepare and adopt a master list as follows, the provisions of the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.) or any other law to the contrary notwithstanding:

a. Within 6 months of the effective date of this act, the department shall prepare a proposed master list and make it available to the governing body of each municipality in which there is located a hazardous discharge site, and to all other interested persons.

b. Within 8 months of the effective date of this act, the department shall conduct public hearings in the several geographic areas of the State on the proposed master list. Notice of these hearings shall be published at least 30 days in advance of the hearing in at least two newspapers circulating in the specific geographic area where the hearing will be held.

c. Within 1 year of the effective date of this act, the department shall consider all the testimony presented at the public hearings, make such revisions to the proposed master list as it deems necessary or appropriate, and adopt the master list.

L.1982, c. 202, s. 3, eff. Dec. 16, 1982.